Colombia Yogurt Maker Breaks Ground In N.Y.

BATAVIA, N.Y. (AP) -- A South American yogurt maker has broken ground on a new manufacturing plant in western New York that will be the company's first facility in North America.

Local media outlets report that executives from Bogota, Colombia-based Alpina Foods joined local officials Wednesday to break ground on the company's new yogurt manufacturing plant at a Genesee County business park in the town of Batavia, midway between Buffalo and Rochester.

Company officials say the $15 million plant will employ 50 people and enable Alipna to distribute its product to U.S. and Canadian markets.

The plant is expected to be operating by May, with full production set for July.

Alpina's brands include Restart Yogurt and Avena, an oat-based smoothie.

The company has global sales of $800 million and sells dairy products to 20 countries.